The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1887-08-19
One thing, hoMeyer. puzzled me

unusual languor, almost timidity, in
Nellie, and Otto Winstanley's almost in
comprehensive conduct
He had Joined in none of the conver-
satlon antlcipatory of her arrival, and
when she was presented, there was a start
and sudden dark upleaping of color and
feeling to ms face as he muttered some
thing about previous acquaintance.
/ think no one else observed this or
the fact that his indolent Irritation with
Bell glowed with sudden and unaccount-
able ardor since Nellie's arrival Per
haps, also, no one else remarked that he
certainly treated Miss Middleton with
downright rudeness and neglect, or
thought 10 ask themselves IL a man was
apt to be rude and neglected towards a
sweet and winning girl to whom he was
perfectly Indifferent
But be that as il might, two slow weeks
went, AMI i saw no more clearly into the
mystery than / had done AT first. But
one evening Nellie came and bat down
beside Inc in the twilight.
She sat very still, looked even palcr
than usual, and | caught mvs9lf pitying
her, but 1t n loss how TO manifest il, |
remained silent.
Otto strolled in, and giving me 4 nod.
sat down and began playing with Jup,
the terrier. Having vague idea that
Nellie might be inclined to be more spe-
citic with him than me, / made Nirs.
Polly do some one a good turn, for one OF
the few times in her life, and getting up
fiction about being wanted, left them
alone. What afterward occurred have
from the best authority-Nellie herself.
They sat IN the fast growing twilight,
memories busy at the heart of each
pride struggling with a feeling that, dur
ing those weeks, had fast been growing
too strong for IT. Nellie, with bowed
head and swimming eyes; Otto watch
ing her, and with face sOftening in spite
of himself.
Suddenly Nellie, rose with an air of
desperation, and brushing past Otto went
over to the piano.
out sharply click, as if something
metallic had struck on the marble hearth
Otto stopped to pick up something
that shone in the red freight lust at his
feet She moved forward, as II TO pre-
vent him; stood then, as If paralyzed, al
he held up ring - a simple little thing
only plain gold circlet bearing some
words engraved on 1T, hanging from n
chain attached 10 hook, like a watch
guard.
Otto looked alternately at it and Mel.
lie, who stood by him, crimson and
speechless.
Nellie was silent
Why did you keep it ~
81 wanted something to wear on tho
chain, and | don't carry my watch"
oh thought perhaps you cared for
II, after all ~
You thought differently when We
We're last together"
Il had reason"
Answer, then. I ask You to Judge
yourself. Had | not reason ? Would
not any man have been justified in being
lncensed and outraged at your con-
duct ,"
Il was very young very thoughtlcss.
/ never dreamed that Won really cared
II was pleasant 10 talk and fret, and |
liked to veI you for the pleasure OF re-
conCilement"
strange pleasure, that ives pleased
with the pain il inflicted on what II loved
the best. A strange thoughtleSsncss. tha,
permitted me no freedom, but claimed IN
unbounded liberty for yourselfP'
You have said all those things once"
returned Nellie, with some dignity. "and
1t was painful enough 10 hear them
once"
81 had no intention of reproachins
you answered Otto; "for out OF the bit
terness of the heart the mouth spoke.
1t Is so miserable to look at you, and
think what might have been, and how
now We arc hOpelcssly separated"
Otto" said Nellie timidly, don't Won
think we might be friends? You need
not treat me quite rs an enemy. If YOU
have suffered, so do and Won cannot
think wat a pain it is to see the ewes that
once were my light look 30 coldly on me.
II makes me wretched. Let us, at least,
be friends"
Otto looked al her earnestly. took ber
hands, and drew her toward him. Hall
unconsciously she sank down on the little
stool ~ hi. feet, her head close to his
hand, that, following its old habitude
began to stroke the soft bright hair.
Presently
No" said Otto firmly. We can never
be friends"
You are forgiving'
Very. ! Will not bate an atom OF INV
Just rights / must and will have YOU for
my wife, as you once promised me to be.
or nothing. Mere cool friendship will not
satisfy me-"
And / was not very obstinate" con-
ciuded Nellie, ''as that was precisely why
came, knowing that he was here"
L have their wedding cards before me
now And now l am going to whisper in
the ear of the public what l then
thought.
Nellie dropped that ring on purpose.